Clubs' fury at curb on promotion

The National League clubs are furious that automatic promotion to the Super League is set to be suspended next season to allow for the introduction of Perpignan in 2006.

It means that Castleford or London Broncos, who are currently battling to avoid relegation, may not be able to bounce straight back next season even if they win the National League One grand final.

Instead they will face a play-off against the team finishing 11th in the Super League - when the odds will be stacked against them, because whoever is relegated this year will almost certainly be forced to go part-time.

"It definitely won't be a level playing field," said Nick Halafihi, the chief executive of Hull Kingston Rovers, who are pushing for promotion from National League One.

"We've yet to be consulted by the Rugby Football League about how they're going to get Perpignan in, but the fear is that they will just support whatever the Super League clubs decide."

The credibility of the RFL's disciplinary procedures suffered a blow yesterday when Bradford's Leon Pryce had a one-match suspension lifted on appeal, only 24 hours after it had been imposed. His fine has been increased to £500 for his role in the Bulls' brawl against Wakefield last Sunday but he is now free to play at Wigan tomorrow.